Bright Side News for March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025 by

Today’s headlines:

  • COBB LIBRARY BOOK SALE STARTS TODAY
  • KID-CON FAMILY FUN TOMORROW
  • SMYRNA HOLDS MOTHER SON NERF WARS
  • THE GEORGIA GROWN FOOD PLUS WINE EVENT WILL TICKLE THE TASTE BUDS
  • ADOPT-A-TREE AT KSB

Plus local events to fill your calendar.

Bright Side News for March 7, 2025
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Friday, March 7, 2025 • Just in time to plan your weekend

An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the April issue is March 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.


COBB LIBRARY BOOK SALE STARTS TODAY

It’s the moment readers have been waiting for! The Spring Book Sale will be held at Cobb Civic Center March 7-9. Materials for sale include books for all ages in both hardcover and paperback, DVDs, Books on CD and audiocassette, magazines, and puzzles. Prices range from 10 cents to $4.00.

Cobb Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta,  Hours for the sale are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m0, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. There is plenty of free parking. Acceptable forms of payment are debit, credit, cash, and checks — Visa and MasterCard only.

“On Friday until 1 p.m.  electronic (scanning) devices are not permitted. While we hope you will buy lots of materials, we are only able to sell up to 2 boxes of items at a time on Friday until 1 p.m. Please plan to pay and take items to your vehicle before coming in to shop some more.,” library officials said.

On Sunday they will be working to sell out the Civic Center so please come to buy, buy, buy!

Sunday is BYOB (Bring Your Own Box) Day: fill any size box (you can bodily get back to your car) for a flat rate — $10 upper level only; $20 lower level only; $20 mixed. All profits from this book sale go directly to buying more items for Cobb County Public Library’s 15 branches and bookmobile. For more information, please visit cobbcat.org.
Now Available! Read the March Bright Side


       


KID-CON FAMILY FUN TOMORROW

It’s a morning of crafts, games, character appearances and fun for the whole family. Hosted by the Smyrna Public Library, Kid-Con will be held on Saturday March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center’s Big Gym and the Magnolia Room. 

For this free event, children of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character and enter our KID-CON costume contest–we’ll have a family award, too. Registration for the costume contest will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 11 on the stage. We encourage those wishing to participate in the costume contest to print and fill out an entry form prior to arriving at the event. Winners will be announced at noon and will be called to the stage to receive their trophy.  

Explore different hands-on activities, games, and crafts in the Big Gym. Visit the Magnolia Room (across the hall from the gym) and explore over 20 different non-profit organizations and community vendors to learn about services and products available in the Smyrna community. Each vendor and non-profit will have a game or activity as well. 

Please utilize the overflow parking lot across from the Community Center. The wheelchair and stroller accessible entrance will be available from the Powder Springs Rd entrance of the Community Center. 


MOTHER SON NERF WARS

Get ready for a blast from the past at our Mother-Son Nerf Wars: 80’s throwback! Ready, Aim, Fire. Mark your calendars, for our 2025 Mother Son Nerf Wars on  Friday, March 14th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center

Get ready for a blast from the past at our Mother-Son Nerf Wars: 80’s throwback! Grab your neon leg warmers, crazy prints, and your favorite Nerf blaster for an action-packed evening of fun and bonding. This event is for sons ages 5-12. The cost is $60 per couple, $15 for each additional sibling. You can use the link below to register today.  Register Here
 


THE GEORGIA GROWN FOOD PLUS WINE EVENT WILL TICKLE THE TASTE BUDS

The 4th annual Food and Wine Festival is set to kick off on March 21 and end on March 23. The Georgia Food + Wine Festival, presented by Georgia Grown, will celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more.

There will be events for families and events for ages 21 and older. The festival will be held at Jim R Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road S.W., Marietta, under the management of JRM, which manages and produces fairs, festivals, and other special events throughout the southeast. Georgia Grown will be featuring their members in a variety of ways, including:
•    The Georgia Grown Member Village
•    The Georgia Grown Culinary Demo Stage

The Georgia Food + Wine Festival has partnered with SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, a Cobb County, Georgia based 501-(c)3 non-profit organization and will develop several fundraising opportunities to benefit them, including a silent auction.

A variety of events for all taste buds include the legendary barbecue event, “Fired-Up” an all-inclusive food and drink tasting event, featuring a “Meat & Greet”. Saturday’s main event, “Savor” offers hundreds of beer, wine and spirits tastings, a Georgia Celebrity Chef Stage, Georgia Grown Chef Demo stage, shopping, VIP Lounge, artisans, and live music. “Sunday/Funday” is the budget friendly and family-friendly day, with free Kids Zone, Celebrity Chef Stage, Georgia Grown Chef Demo stage, VIP Lounge with open bar and grilled oysters, Georgia’s Best Whiskey Cocktail Challenge presented by Beam Suntory and Creative Loafing, live music, and shopping. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com. Enjoy discounted pricing until March 1. For information call 770) 423-1330 or visit https://www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com for more information on each event.     




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ADOPT-A-TREE AT KSB

Winter is the perfect time to plant a new tree, and Keep Smyrna Beautiful (KSB) has free seedlings and small trees available. KSB volunteers rescue small trees from land slated for development and prepare them to be taken home by residents. Visit our website to learn more and to request a free tree: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/adopt-a-tree/

GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER

Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.

Click here for a list of upcoming events.

4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities

Join other Seniors for a day filled with resources, connections, and valuable information at the Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center. This free event is open to the public, and parking is FREE. A bag of free produce will be also be available to the first 400 households.

Discover a variety of vendors offering services in life enrichment, transportation, nutrition, senior living, Medicare, wellness, safety, and much more. Plus, Northside Hospital will be providing free health screenings, and we’ll have informative seminars on important topics throughout the day.

Be sure to check cobbseniors.org for updates on vendors, health screenings, and seminar details as we get closer to the event! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore helpful resources, learn something new, and connect with your community.

Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.

MARCH

Celebrating Women in Cobb # 44555
Monday, March 10 from 11 a.m. – noon 
Free; Registration required
Join us for an inspiring and empowering event as we come together to celebrate the remarkable women who live & work in Cobb County. 

Exercise and Mental Health
Wednesday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Join Cobb County Senior Services and Cobb Collaborative as we explore the powerful connection between exercise and mental well-being. Attendees will learn about the positive effects of exercise on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as how regular movement can boost mood and cognitive function. Practical strategies for incorporating exercise into daily routines to support mental health will also be discussed.

Quilt Showcase 
Friday, March 14 from 11 a.m. – noon 
Free; Registration required
Join us for an extraordinary display of artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity at our Quilt Showcase! Whether you’re a quilting enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of handcrafted art, this event is a celebration of the timeless tradition of quilting and the incredible talent of local artisans.

Spring Wreath Craft 
Monday, March 17 from 10 a.m. – noon 
$8; Registration required
Welcome the season of renewal with a DIY Spring Wreath workshop! Join us for a creative and relaxing time as we craft beautiful, custom spring wreaths that will brighten up your home. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a first-time wreath maker, this event is perfect for all skill levels.

Nutrition Presentation 
Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. – noon 
Free; Registration required
This presentation covers Brain Health: Delay and prevent cognitive decline by reviewing the MIND Diet and other strategies to keep the brain sharp. Presented by Angelica Swafford, Nutrition Manager with Cobb Senior Services. 

The Freeman Poole Page Turners 
Thursday, March 20 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Whether you’re a lover of literary fiction, thrillers, historical narratives, or thought-provoking non-fiction, Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres. Hosted by South Cobb Library. 

Freeman Foodies 
Friday, March 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Juicy Crab
1345 East-West Connector,
Austell, GA 30106

Bingo Bash 
Monday, March 24 from noon – 2 p.m. 
$3; Registration required  
Join us for fun games of Bingo. Snacks and prizes available

Freeman Trail Trekkers 
Wednesday, March 26 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us as we embrace the joy of walking in the great outdoors! Freeman’s Trail Trekkers Walking Club is a welcoming community of individuals who enjoy staying active, meeting new people, and exploring local trails and parks. We will be kicking off the walking club with a presentation on the benefits of walking, which trails we will be exploring, what to bring and answer any questions you may have. 

Trip to Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum 
Friday, March 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
$16.00 (transportation & entry); Registration required
A trip to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum offers an insightful journey into the life and legacy of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the museum is an educational and reflective space where visitors can learn about Carter’s early life, his presidency, and his post-presidential humanitarian work. Activity Level 2 – Limited walking, some stairs, and/or inclines. No refunds unless trip is cancelled. Deadline: March 13. 

The Pharmacy – Over-The-Counter Medicines (OTC) 
Monday, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Free; Registration required
Virtually everyone takes some kind of over-the-counter, (OTC), medication.  From cold-symptom relief to heartburn to headache…there is an OTC for everything.  We tend to think of OTCs as less risky or harmful than prescription medications, but they can be every bit as dangerous if used wrong or too often.  Come and hear some of the dangers and risks of using OTCs and get some advice on which ones to avoid, from our resident Pharmacist. The presenter is F. Rocky Beeland, a clinical pharmacist with a large Atlanta hospital system. Presented by B.E.S.T (Broadening and Enriching Seniors Together). 
 

BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR 
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL


March

7-9: COBB LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE. The Spring Book Sale will be held at Cobb Civic Center March 7-9. Materials for sale include books for all ages in both hardcover and paperback, DVDs, Books on CD and audiocassette, magazines, and puzzles. Prices range from 10 cents to $4.00.

8: KID-CON. It’s a morning of crafts, games, character appearances and fun for the whole family. Hosted by the Smyrna Public Library, Kid-Con will be held on Saturday March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center’s Big Gym and the Magnolia Room. 

11: RUN-OFF election for County Commission District 2. March 7 is the last day for advance voting.

21-23: GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL. Jim Miller Park. The 2025 Georgia Food + Wine Festival will celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. Click here for tickets. 

22: DOCUMENT SHREDDING Securely shred and recycle your documents at KSB’s spring document shredding event on March 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center parking lot (884 Church St. Smyrna). Details available at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/shred-fest/

April

9 – 11: SPRING BREAK for Cobb Schools. Spring break will be April 9 – 11. The last day of school will be May 21 with early release that day for all levels. May 19 and 20 will also be early release day for all levels.

26 – 27: JONQUIL FESTIVAL. The Spring Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna. There will be 150 arts & crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities. The show will also feature a local entertainment stage.


Weekly Organizations

BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com  Phone: 770-742-8858

BOY SCOUT TROOP 220 meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). For more information visit https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220Smyrna/Index.htm.https://web.cobbchamber.org/atlas/events/smyrna-area-council-state-of-the-city-11830/register

SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the American Legion Post 160, located at 160 Legion Drive. Visitors welcome. 

JONQUIL CITY INVESTMENT CLUB open membership now happening. Jonquil City Investment Club is an all-female organization that encourages women to learn more about investing and applying financial knowledge by investing small amounts of money ($25) in the stock market.  We meet on the first Thursday of each month to learn from a licensed investment broker and discuss the performance of our investments.  Now is a great time to invest in the stock market while it is static.  Have fun with us riding the wave to the top!  For additional information, contact Cindy Acker, Senior Partner, at jcic2004@yahoo.com.

THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St.  Smyrna,30080. All are welcome.  Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.

SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com

TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.

VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027

SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.

GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
 

Groups

RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery. 

 

E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.

NOTES AND NOTICES

 

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
 

SERVICES

GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location.  Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured.  For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES


INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the fall, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/


HELP WANTED


AD SALES POSITION OPEN. The Bright Side newspaper is looking for a self-starter to join our team in advertising sales. The motivated team member will be able to call on local businesses to tell them about advertising opportunities with The Bright Side. This is a 1099 commission position with lots of potential for the right person. If interested in interviewing, contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or by email cslipsett@att.net


EXTRA COPIES
 

EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.

PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339.  Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to ads@brightsidecobb.com

BRIGHT SIDE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING 


We’re working on the March edition of The Bright Side.  REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side. 

Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net

You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com

In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, at the Jonquil Publix on Atlanta Road and at Vickery Hardware, at the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger and Mableton Pharmacy.

Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
 
The electronic weekly is a publication of Lipsett and Associates, Inc., publisher of The Bright Side Newspaper. Publisher and editor is Cathy Lipsett with electronic design by Peter Lipsett. 
Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to ads@brightsidecobb.com.
 
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.

Email the ad to ads@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to ads@brightsidecobb.com.
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